Pornography use has become a major relational and societal problem. Internet pop-ups and graphic spammers have made porn difficult to avoid -- and sexual addictions have exploded. National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families (NCPCF) research shows that two- thirds of men in their 20s and 30s report being "regular users" of pornography.

Studies differ on what percent are actually addicted -- with a compulsion they feel unable to stop, and a need to go harder-core to get the same "high" -- but it is likely 10 percent or more. And this personal problem has become a major public one. For instance, a poll at a 2003 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers' meeting found that "excessive interest in online porn" was a major factor in one-third of the divorces handled by those attorneys.

Into this loaded environment, hotel chains offer pay-per-view porn to millions of men (and, increasingly, women) who feel trapped by this compulsion. As with any addiction, users confronted with porn find it difficult to turn down. They can have the front desk block it -- but they also know that all they have to do is call back and change their mind.

A May 2004 New York Times article stated that half of all hotel guests order porn. And since it accounts for 70 percent of in-room revenue, many hotel chains prefer not to look too deeply into how it is damaging their customers.

A family-groups coalition recently met with Marriott representatives and showed them just a partial list of the incredibly offensive titles and descriptions the hotel chain was offering. By phone, NCPCF president Rick Schatz described the representatives' shock. Time will tell whether the chain acts to eliminate porn entirely, or at least have guests "opt in" to put it on their television, instead of having it there unless they "opt out."

Drury Inn, Ritz Carlton and Omni hotels have all eliminated porn as an option. An Omni press release from early 2000 said the decision, "Was morally and conscionably driven ... in response to what it perceives as a growing need for corporate America to support pro-family issues."

The need is stark and obvious. Let's hope Marriott and others make the difficult but right choice to do something about it.

ANDREA SARVADY (REBUTTAL):

Hotel rooms are dangerous places for men, aren't they? In addition to the temptations for the porn addict, there's bottles in the minibar to tempt the alcoholic, chocolate and chips to taunt the overeater. In fact, the front desk should probably start collecting businessmen's belts when they check in. After all, left alone with all these hellish vices, an anxiety-ridden traveler just might hang himself from the shower rod.

Removing all adult entertainment options from hotel systems because it's too tempting for some is extreme. So it turns out that half of all hotel guests appear to enjoy watching other people have sex. What should we do about this? Call the FBI?

Well, that's exactly what a coalition of conservative groups did in 2006, imploring the FBI and the Department of Justice to investigate pay-per-view movies that violate federal and state obscenity laws.

A spokesperson at the Justice Department promised to get back to me pronto, to report on the status of that urgent 2006 request. I haven't heard from her yet; maybe the Justice Department is too busy working on its massive child pornography caseload. Where are their priorities?

I did just speak with Roger Conner, vice-president of communications for Marriott International, who told me two days after his meeting with conservative groups that a "constructive" conversation ensued. "We're a very strong family company" Conner stressed, clearly not relishing the role of pornography defender. Yet he also explained that Marriott doesn't have total control over their franchisee network and that in the end, "We think it's a matter of adult choice." I agree, and admit to more concern over the women who choose a career in porn than the men "forced" to watch the fruits of such labors.

When it comes to hotel entertainment systems, X-rated fare is not available everywhere, easy to avoid where it is and expensive to boot. For some it's worth the price. Others might find the bedside hotel Bible and a cold shower equally alluring, and they don't cost a thing.

How can hotel chains deliver us from evil? They don't define it; we do. So if you seek salvation along with your room key, then act like an adult. Choose it.